Writing "Exercises" (for the sheer fun of it!)

We all know writing is a serious business with, hopefully, publication at the end of it.

But, during those days when ideas are scarce, say, during a touch of writer's block or through sheer boredom here's a technique I use to get 'the idea juices' flowing.
Think of a simple sentence, write it down...brood on it for a while.
Then, when you're ready, write a paragraph using it as the first line.
Make the paragraph as dramatic as possible, instantly 'grabbing the reader by the throat' and forcing them to cry out for more.
Who knows, maybe that paragraph will turn into a page...a chapter, a short story?
Either way, the exercise is good for the creative brain, apart from being good fun.

For those willing to try, here's a few to begin with:

'My hand shook as I rang the door-bell....'

'When the clouds parted and the road flooded with moonlight Tom realized he was....'

' Old Johnny leaned over the rusty gate and stared at the house.....'

Good luck !